mountain shook, and the crag toppled, and Siegfried awoke.

The next morning, at earliest break of day, the youth sought
Regin, and made known his errand.

"I have come for charcoal for my master Mimer's forges. My
cart stands ready outside; and I pray you to have it filled
at once, for the way is long, and I must be back betimes."

Then a strange smile stole over Regin's wrinkled face, and
he said,--

"Does Siegfried the prince come on such a lowly errand? Does
he come to me through the forest, driving a donkey, and
riding in a sooty coal-cart? I have known the day when his
kin were the mightiest kings of earth, and they fared
through every land the noblest men of men-folk."

The taunting word, the jeering tones, made Siegfried's anger
rise. The blood boiled in his veins; but he checked his
tongue, and mildly answered,--

"It is true that I am a prince, and my father is the wisest
of kings; and it is for this reason that I come thus to you.
Mimer is my master, and my father early taught me that even
princes must obey their masters' behests."

Then Regin laughed, and asked, "How long art thou to be
Mimer's thrall? Does no work wait for thee but at his smoky
forge?"